Page 45 of Her Shifter Pack

When I’d carried her to bed because she looked like she was half asleep on her feet, she’d wanted to cuddle, to kiss. To touch my face and whisper how wonderful our time together had been.

Such a stark contrast to the wildcat who had been in my arms only minutes before.

And damn, I loved both sides of her, equally.

I shook off the distracting thought, though the feeling of warmth toward Lexie remained. A perfect pair like Ollie and me were complimentary, but also significantly different men.

I’d always believed it would be impossible to find a woman who would suit both of us and yet, Lexie seemed to have all the fire I required, coupled with a tender and sweet side that calmed me. How she suited Ollie as well, I had no idea, but he seemed just as rapt with her as I was.

I rolled up my shirt sleeves while I leaned against my truck and stared up at the sign above the diner. If the owner was in, he was paying Lexie her money.

We didn’t need the cash, of course, but she’d earned it. And I had the feeling she’d be one of those women who didn’t want to take unnecessarily from others but needed her own money. More power to her, if she did.

I walked forward and pushed open the glass door, the bells ringing above my head.

“Hey. Take a seat and I’ll be with you in a minute.” The waitress behind the counter smiled at me.

I walked up to the seats at the counter. “I’m looking for the owner.”

The girl frowned as though that was an unusual request. “He’s not working today. Can I leave him a message?”

I leaned forward to put my hands on the counter. “No. But I do need to speak to him. Can you tell me when he’ll be in next?”

She stared at me quizzically, as if trying to figure me out. “Can I ask what this is about?”

How much could I trust her? “Do you know Lexie at all?”

The girl’s face transformed, lighting up with a huge smile. “Oh, yeah. She’s awesome. I can’t believe the boss fired her for punching some guy who was handsy with her. We get treated like shit and no one cares.”

“I care,” I managed to growl out. “And I want to sort out a few things with your boss.”

She looked left and right as though to make sure no one else was listening. Then she dropped her voice to a whisper and said, “He’s in tomorrow. Dinner shift. Five till eleven.”

I winked at her and gave her a smile that I usually reserved for someone I was trying to seduce. “Thanks.”

Then I left. The girl was cute, but she was young, and my wolf wasn’t interested in her. Not one bit.

I frowned as I climbed into my truck. She’d definitely been cute. And not that young. My disinterest was a strange reaction.

My phone buzzed, and when I glanced down there was a text from Nancy.

You coming over tonight?

My immediate response was a loud groan. Hell, no.

I blinked. Since when did I knock back Nancy? Was I seriously cured from feeling like I needed to be on the hunt all the time? Never satisfied. Was the feeling actually gone?

I had to test out this strange theory.

I texted back. I’m busy tonight, but can catch up for a drink now. You around?

Nancy was a sales consultant and could be anywhere in the city at any time.

Yeah. I’m around the corner from my place. You wanna come over for a beer?

In Nancy speak that was, “Do you wanna come by for a quick fuck?” And maybe I did... I wanted to see what my wolf would do if I gave him the option.

I sent back, Cool. Be there in ten.

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